21 Mar 2018

In Your 20s? Moving Abroad Could Be The Best Decision, Ever

When you’re in your twenties, you are nothing more than a baby. Sorry if that seems patronising because it is a compliment. Millennials have nothing to worry about and the pressure only grows as you age. Again, sorry if that was a downer! The idea of leaving home and moving to a new country, then, isn’t appealing. At least, it is but most of us think “I’ve got loads of time.” You may, for example, want to retire to a place in the sun and live out your golden years in peace. Sadly, fifty years later is too late to take advantage of a move abroad.

Saint Augustine said that the world is a book and those that don’t travel only read a page. He may not be Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travellers, but his CV is pretty legit. Here are the reasons Augustine is right and why twenty-somethings should consider the opportunity if it arises.

It Boosts Career Chances

It’s safe to say the job market for young people in the UK isn’t great. In fact, that’s an understatement but let’s not kick the young and unemployed while they're down. Ever since the recession of ’10, growth has stagnated and employment opportunities have fallen. For anyone coming out of uni with a first-class degree, there are no guarantees. Look further afield, however, and you’ll find the grass is greener on the other side. Take Australia as an example. It’s a well-known fact “tradies” are paid ridiculous sums of money and have chances to progress up the corporate ladder. Those of you reading this who are involved in a trade may want to know the wages here are nothing compared to down under. But, it isn’t only tradesmen and women who are benefiting. One glance at the list the government publishes every year and you’ll see IT technicians are in vogue at the moment too. The same goes for accountants and medical professionals.

It Helps You Get On The Property Ladder

Where do you live in the United Kingdom? Chances are it doesn’t matter because the market for first-time buyers is extortionate. Without help from a loved one, investing in real estate is very difficult to do and not worth the hassle. Therefore, millions of young people are stuck in rental agreements they don’t want or are still living at home. Let’s face it; it wasn’t the lifestyle we imagined after we graduated from university. Again, foreign countries have better prospects for young people mainly because the market is cheap. New property in Malaysia is going to cost between £150,000 and £250,000 for a luxury condominium. Granted, the amount isn’t pocket change yet this is the top end of the scale. An average three-bed detached with a garden or a beach is going to cost considerably less. In general, the figures are nowhere near as high as at home and that makes a property easier to buy.

It’ll Make You Take Risks

The British are great at taking the path of least resistance and playing it safe along the way. No one should gamble with their future at a young age when there is plenty to come, but going steady isn’t the option either. To borrow an investment term, young people have to diversify their lives to find fulfilment. In simple terms, this means being prudent in certain areas of your life and taking risks in others. Without a gamble, there is no way to feel the thrill of the chase and the rush of adrenaline. And, it’s not a tip for adrenaline junkies because speculating is a huge part of life. Say you want a new job because you’re unhappy with the current one – do you wait for something to fall in your lap? Nope, you search listings, go to interviews, and dive headfirst into a new phase of your life. Staying at home doesn’t encourage this behaviour, but leaving home in your twenties will.

It Fosters Independence

Along the same lines of risk-taking is developing independence. As soon as we hit 18, the perception is that we are adults who can take care of themselves without help. The reality is a little different, and once it begins to set in, life can seem scarier. What with the inability to land a career job and get on the property ladder, it’s not hard to see why some kids latch on to others. For the most part, it is fine to ask for help, especially loved ones such as your parents. It’s their job and they’ll never stop being your rock. At some point, though, you have to break free and forge your path. Moving away from a support network is a bold move, and it will be difficult, yet you’ll transform into a new person. The things you used to rely on mum and dad for will seem trivial when you have a job, a house, and life in paradise.

You’ll Learn A Language

Unless we talk about Britons with ethnic backgrounds and heritage, the majority of the country speaks one language. Because it’s the tongue of the world, there is no need even to attempt to speak Spanish, French, etc. as everyone knows English. Sadly, there’s a stigma about the Brits which goes like this: they’re ignorant! Now, you may not care but it’s essential to make a good first impression and it’s hard with this attitude. Anyway, it’s not entirely true as it’s more about necessity than ignorance. While you’re in the country, there is zero temptation to enrol in classes and further your linguistic skills. Outside of the UK, a new language will surround you and you won’t be able to get away. Odds are you’ll pick up bits and pieces until it clicks one day and you become a fluent bilingual local. Apart from coming across well, it also helps you to understand English. Sure, you’re a native speaker, but how are your grammar and syntax? Most people don’t know what these are, which is the point.

It’s The Best Of Both Worlds

“I don’t want to settle down and be an adult. I want to be a twenty-something!” No one blames you for that because you’re only young once and it’s important to enjoy the time. Still, it’s worth noting you don’t have to do one or the other. For years, the debate has centred on whether young people should grow up sooner and contribute. Millennials have responded and said let’s have fun first and then buckle down later. However, moving abroad at an early age gives you the best of both worlds. Thanks to a great job and a nice home, you will certainly learn the ropes of adulthood. For instance, you’ll have to figure out how to pay the bills and budget carefully when money is tight. On the flip side, being in a foreign country is a perfect base for travelling. Considering you may not have seen the region properly, you can jump in a car and head off in any direction and soak up the sights. Lucky people get to travel and work at the same time – the Holy Grail of life.

It Isn’t Permanent

Remember the bit at the beginning which said you have loads of time because you’re young? Instead of using it as an excuse not to take a risk, you should do the opposite. Gamble and accept a job opportunity abroad and understand it isn’t permanent. You may hate every minute, yet you can come back home and start again. After all, you have your whole life ahead of you in your twenties.

Dizzy Miss James On Instagram

Popular Posts

Disclaimer

Dizzy Miss James is a PR friendly blog. Sometimes lovely people may be kind enough to gift me with products to review, these items will be marked with an asterisk (*). Partnered Post content will be labelled accordingly. All opinions are my own and are open and honest.